The project, which seeks to train women on quality and organic shea nut picking and processing and in five (5) communities (Mognori, Larabanga, Kananto, Kabampe and Jelinkon) around Mole National Park, is receiving financial support from the Australian High Commission – Ghana under its Direct Aid Program (DAP).
Basic shea picking and processing equipment such as rollers, cutlasses, silver bowls, wellington boots, and hand gloves will be distributed to beneficiaries to support and improve their shea nut picking efficiency.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Wildlife Society, Rev. David Kpelle in his opening remarks indicated that the decision to expand this intervention to other communities is because the intervention as implemented under the SIBCI project in 5 communities (Murugu, Kaden, Yazori, Kpolumbo and Bawena) is making a significant improvement in the welfare of beneficiaries (women) in the peripheral communities around the Mole National Park.
According to him, the society is not only interested in wildlife conservation but also in the improvement of the welfare of the people whom they believe are key stakeholders in the management of the protected area and the larger Mole landscape.
He was hopeful the intervention which is graciously supported by the Australian High Commission-Ghana, would also improve and support beneficiaries (women) and provide additional source of income for livelihoods and households demands.
He took the opportunity again to thanked the Australian people for their kind gesture and support for wildlife conservation especially within the Mole landscape.
He also acknowledged the support of management of the Mole National Park, particularly the Collaborative Resource Management Unit who have been working with the society on different projects within the Mole landscape.
The field coordinator for the Direct Aid Program (DAP) project, Mr. Solomon Kenyenso, in a presentation gave a brief overview of the project and it’s related activities.
He indicated that the overall objective of the project is to support and economically empower women in communities at the peripheries of Mole National Park.
He used the opportunity to urge the women to make good use of the equipment provided to realise the full benefit of the project and understand that they are key stakeholders as far as the protection of Mole National Park is concerned.
Representative from other organizations and institutions present took their turn and thank the Australian High Commission-Ghana for the support and implore beneficiaries to make use the training and equipment that will be distributed to them.
They also encouraged the beneficiaries to begin to develop positive attitude toward wildlife conservation and support management of the Park in their effort to keep the park safe from illegal activities.
Speaking on behalf of the Mole National Park, the Assistant park manager, Mr. Bona kyiire said the relationship between Mole National Park and all the communities that are around the park has existed for a very long time and noted that they have done their very best to ensure that the relationship is deepened.
He added that they at the park have realize that their partners who are coming into the landscape especially Arocha Ghana and the Ghana Wildlife Society are helping them to deepen the relationship to the benefit of the protected area.
On behalf of the park manager, he thanked the Australian High Commission, Executive Director of the Ghana Wildlife Society and his team for their continuous support to the park.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
